Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention for middle school students

Let’s see what we know so far

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) What is it? • SBS is a medical term used to describe the injuries that can result if a baby is violently shaken. • Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse.

Elijah’s Story

What happens when a baby is shaken?

Shaken Baby Syndrome What is it?

Signs that a baby has been shaken • • Broken bones Unusual crying Sleepiness Vomiting or refusing to eat • Pale or bluish skin • Not breathing • Unconscious

What are the long term results? • Even with prompt medical attention many babies die. • Those who survive may have: • Blindness • Coordination problems • Paralysis • Deafness • Learning disabilities • Developmental disabilities • Seizures

The most common reason given for shaking a baby is that the baby wouldn’t stop crying.

All babies cry • Crying is normal. • Babies cry for many reasons. • ALL babies will have times when they CANNOT stop crying.

Babies cry to communicate Feeling Middle Schooler Hunger “When’s dinner? I’m starved. ” Discomfort “I’m not wearing these shoes. They’re too tight. ” Over-stimulation “Leave me alone. ” Under-stimulation “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do. ” Fatigue “I’ve had a long day” 2 -month-old “CRY!” “CRY!”

Risk factors for being a victim • Age • Gender (boy or girl) • Greater demands for care, for example pre-maturity, illness, or other special needs

Soothing an irritable baby • Feed baby slowly and burp baby often. • Make baby as comfortable as possible. • Provide gentle motion or relaxing sound. • Is baby hungry? Thirsty? Bored? Anxious? Sleepy? • Understand that all babies have times when they cannot stop crying.

Difficult developmental phases

Who would shake a baby? Anyone, but some people are more at risk: • Late teens and early 20 s • Males • Inexperience with babies • People with other risk factors – drug and alcohol use, mental illness, lack of self-control, high stress

When a baby can’t stop crying • Try different ways to soothe baby. • Know that a comforted baby doesn’t always mean a quiet baby. • Know that crying isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. • If at anytime you start feeling tense or frustrated, it is important for you to take a break.

Remember the Rule of • Lay the baby on his back in his crib or another safe place • Stay feet or more away. • Slowly count to or take deep breaths to calm yourself down. • After minutes, check on the baby • Repeat if necessary. • If you still feel stressed, call someone for help

It’s okay to ask for help Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much. • Someone who can come over right away and help • The baby’s doctor, or nurse helpline • Local community resources

My pledge This hand will never harm a baby Signed: Pass the message on

This material was developed by the SBS Prevention K 12 curriculum team • Susan Abbey – Children’s Trust Fund • Pamela Anderson – Middleton School District • Anne Haverland – Oshkosh School District • Nancy Graese – CESA 11 • Nancy Merwin – Cuba City School District • Sue Mokler – Ripon School District • Wendi Schreiter – Wisconsin Shaken Baby Association Copyright © Children’s Trust Fund of Wisconsin

Acknowledgements o National Shaken Baby Association Thanks for your time and o Theyour Children of Shaken Baby commitment to never Syndrome harm a baby. o SBS Prevention Network, Alberta Canada Pass the message on